Prez, PM to hold talks on governance with 400 women lawmakers in March

NEW DELHI: With women empowerment high up on its agenda, the government has invited 400 women lawmakers to express their views on gover nance before Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the NDA’s elaborate plans to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

The women – all members of parliament (MP), legislative assemblies (MLA) and legislative councils (MLC) -- have been invited to attend a two-day conference around the theme “Women legislators – Building Resurgent India” on March 5-6 to be addressed by President Pranab Mukherjee and Modi.

Government officials overseeing the preparations said the women MLAs and MLCs will also be asked to speak for three minutes on what they understand by good governance and how they can play a more meaningful role in nation building.

“This will be a rare opportunity when women MPs and MLAs will come on one platform for a dialogue on governance,” said an official.

The Modi government has put a high priority on women-centric issues as part of the BJP’s strategy to consolidate its support base among women ahead of the next Lok Sabha election.

The government is also discussing the prospect of moving ahead on the women’s reservation bill to make it a reality before the next elections.

THE WOMEN WILL SPEAK ON WHAT THEY UNDERSTAND BY GOOD GOVERNANCE AND HOW THEY CAN PLAY A BIGGER ROLE IN NATION-BUILDING